Product category:
CAM and software for sheetmetal, punching, profiling, EDM, etc
News Release from: Radan Computational | Subject: Radan and Edgecam software systems at FiFab
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 January 2008
CAD/CAM reduces jobs times from 4h to
30min
A sheet metal fabrication and engineering company reports that the latest CAD/CAM systems have reduced job times from 4h to 30min and improved accuracy and efficiency.
Glenrothes, UK-based Fife Fabrications (FiFab), which produces precision sheet metalwork, electro-mechanical assemblies and engineered components, is using Radan and Edgecam software systems to provide continuous improvement in its manufacturing capability FiFab's expertise extends throughout the product development cycle from concept design, prototype, trial and evaluation to manufacture
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Edgecam system is a recent purchase, while Radan software was first installed in 1990 to replace an old DOS-based system.
Radan was determined to be the best solution to meet FiFab's requirements for an advanced CAD/CAM package with a wealth of functionality that would allow a seamless transition between CAD and machining.
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* CAD to NC progams - Radraft solves the problems associated with less than ideal geometry from imported CAD files, with powerful manipulation tools that convert it into fully defined machining programs.
The software examines the line and arc geometry and corrects problems such as gaps in profiles invisible to the naked eye but sufficient to stop a profiling machine.
This functionality is key to FiFab responding to customer requirements quickly and cost effectively, said Radan to manufacturingtalk.com.
The company's impressive machine set-up includes two Trumpf TC500 CNC punch presses, plus CNC lathes, vertical machining centres and a Trumpf TLC L2530 laser profiling machine.
Supported by the advanced features of Radan's Radpunch system, FiFab has tremendous flexibility and capability to consistently improve quality and service across the whole operation.
Engineering manager at FiFab.
Dougie Smith, said: "Our continuous improvement systems, key performance indicators, dedication to lean manufacturing and total quality management focuses the attention of the entire workforce on the need to maintain the highest possible standards of excellence".
He explained: "Radpunch speeds up the process from start up engineering through to punching and improves our efficiency and accuracy.
We have increased output dramatically typically, a job that used to take us four hours is now completed in just 30 minutes".
RadbendCNC has proved invaluable in allowing FiFab to import customer models of sheet metal parts and assemblies and unfold them accurately.
Offline programming and simulation improves first off reliability while the collision detection feature greatly reduces expensive errors.
Smith added: "With many of our customers involved in high tech industries such as aerospace, telecoms and medical equipment, Radan gives us the flexibility and reliability to provide innovative solutions for a broad range of requirements.
Furthermore, working with expensive materials such as aerospace-grade titanium, our ability to maximise material utilisation and automate nesting allows us to streamline production and keep our costs down - savings we can then pass on to the customer".
Radan said that Radview enables the drawings to be viewed by the quality and production departments, saving time and improving efficiency throughout the business by allowing feedback from users and increasing overall control.
Continuous investment in world-class equipment has resulted in FiFab's steady business growth, allowing this progressive company to compete successfully against low cost manufacturers in the Far East.
This forward-looking attitude led to the more recent purchase of Edgecam's system for NC part programming, based on the positive experience with Radan software, service and support.
This installation was key to FiFab extending its precision machining capability to meet the exacting demands of customers in the hydraulics, telecoms, oil, aerospace and defence markets.
"Edgecam allows us to make 3D models and tool up our lathes and milling machines," said Smith.
"We chose this package following endorsements from other users, which were verified by demonstrations of its 3D modelling capability.
The process is faster and more accurate and quite simply the best tool to enable the engineering manager to do his job".
Smith said: "We employ a rigorous training programme to ensure our workforce is experienced in every aspect of programming our CNC turning and machining centres.
With the support of advanced software systems such as Edgecam and Radan, we can ensure that our commitments to customers are met every time".
* About Fife Fabrications - established in 1972, the company is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of sheet metalwork, electro-mechanical assemblies and precision machined components.
FiFab has invested heavily in state of the art plant and employee development, which give added value to customers working in industry sectors including instrumentation, power generation, defence, telecoms and the security and ATM markets within the UK, Germany and the USA.
* About Radan - Radan is the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material utilisation and reduce inventory and offers a significant return on investment.
Radan is a principal brand of the Planit Group recently ranked by CIMdata as the worl''s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.
* About Edgecam - Edgecam, a market leading computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system for NC part programming, offers a complete solution for milling, turning and mill/turn programming with unparalleled ease of use and sophisticated toolpath generation.
Edgecam is a principal brand of the Planit group recently ranked by CIMdata as the world's fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.
* About Planit - Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries.
The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers.
Planit's solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe. Request a free brochure from Radan Computational ...
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